How can medical schools create the general practice workforce? An international perspective

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Public Health
• Healthcare Workforce Studies

Background:

• Primary care is crucial for national health but faces significant workforce shortages.
• Increasing longevity and chronic diseases heighten healthcare demand amid financial constraints.
• Recruitment issues in primary care are a worldwide concern, affecting nations like the UK, North America, and Turkey.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present an international perspective on the importance of primary care.
• To identify reasons for low graduate interest in primary care careers.
• To propose actionable steps for medical schools, residency programs, and governments to boost primary care recruitment.

Main Methods:

• International perspective analysis.
• Review of factors influencing career choices in medicine.
• Policy and educational strategy recommendations.

Main Results:

• Primary care's vital role in national health is often undervalued.
• Several systemic factors deter new graduates from pursuing primary care.
• A multi-faceted approach involving educational institutions and government policy is needed.

Conclusions:

• Strengthening primary care is essential for national well-being.
• Addressing the under-resourcing and cultural undervaluing of primary care is critical.
• Collaborative efforts are required to make primary care an attractive and sustainable career path.